Brad Flory column: Younger generation needs to hear about hardships, sacrifices made during World War II

An impressive effort to preserve a slice of living history in Jackson has one regrettable flaw.

Unfortunately, the people who should benefit the most are paying little attention.

For four years, Jackson District Library and a man named Larry Martin have presented “WW II — In Their Own Words,” a series of free programs about the hardships, sacrifices and adventures of local World War II veterans.

Each program is a combination of video and live appearance featuring experiences of one veteran. Photos and World War II era items are also displayed.

The most recent program had Bob Whiting, 88, of Jackson, a former Marine Corps fighter pilot who flew 68 missions in the Pacific. He shot down four enemy planes and was shot down himself into the ocean.

Once his plane hit the water, Whiting had 15 seconds to get out before it sank.

He made it out, flipped his small rubber raft and hid beneath it. The bottom side looked like water, helping to conceal him from Japanese pilots who shot at him.

“The sound of those bullets hitting the water is something I’ll never forget,” he said.

After spending a night in the raft, Whiting was rescued by a PT boat. He went back into combat the next day.

His stories were fascinating, but almost no one younger than 50 was in the audience to hear them.

No offense to old people, but this stuff should be heard by the young. They need to know their way of life did not come free.